cooking Archives - Page 16 of 28 - Feathers in Our Nest

Ways to Doctor a Muffin Mix

May 10, 2010 by Aliesha

Since I was a kid, I have always loved the muffins made with Martha White muffin mixes! I still make muffins from a mix all the time, but I’ve come up with a few ways to “doctor” them up to make them special. One of the reasons I use the mixes is because they are so cheap ($.30-$.85 each). You can even buy the whole grain mixes for more of a healthy boost. These muffins freeze well and are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Ways to Doctor a Muffin Mix

– Add 1 ripe banana (mashed) to a strawberry mix
– Add quick oats & a bit of brown sugar to the tops (before baking) of an apple cinnamon mix for an easy strudel-like topping
– Add 1 tsp. vanilla extract to the batter
– Substitute egg nog for the milk
– Add a handful of dried cranberries to a blueberry mix
– Add raisins to an apple cinnamon mix
– Add chocolate chips
– Add some lemon or orange zest
– Add your favorite chopped nuts (pecans are great!)
– Add some finely grated carrot to an apple cinnamon mix
– Make them like this (not really adding anything, just changing how they are baked)

Pictured: strawberry banana, cranberry-blueberry, and apple cinnamon (with oat topping)

What do you like to add to your muffins?

Linked to:
Tasty Tuesday
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table

Healthy Snacks

May 7, 2010 by Aliesha

Lately in my pregnancy, I’ve been feeling hungry almost ALL the time! I’m trying to drink more water and cut back on sugary foods (which just leave me hungrier). Eating healthy snacks between meals can keep your blood sugar levels where they need to be and prevent you from overeating at meals.

I’ve compiled a list of good, healthy snacks as a reminder to myself and to share with you all as well. Feel free to comment with some of your favorite snacks… for during pregnancy or otherwise!

Healthy Snacks

Weight Watcher’s yogurt cup (I usually eat half)
non-fat vanilla yogurt
banana
other fruit (clementine, apple, strawberries, etc.)
fruit salad
raisins or craisins (but watch, as these can be high in sugar)
hard-cooked egg
cheese and crackers (I like Wheat Thins Toasted Chips)
small amount of peanuts or a handful of almonds
wheat bread with local honey
half of a pb&j sandwich
homemade granola
salsa with veggies or a small amount of tortilla chips
fresh veggies with a light dressing
small tossed salad
smoothie made with frozen fruit
whole-grain muffin

So what healthy foods do you like to munch on?

Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

April 21, 2010 by Aliesha

I wanted to make brownies for our company last night, but I wanted to dress them up a little! They turned out really well and I thought I’d share the (crazy easy) recipe with you all as well.
Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

1 box brownie mix
ingredients needed for box recipe (mine called for 2 eggs & 1/2 cup oil)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
chocolate chips (optional)

Grease a round cake pan and preheat the oven to the temperature instructed on the box. Mix up the brownies according to the package directions (if there is a “fudgy” or “cake” option, make “fudgy”). Pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into your greased pan.

Beat together cream cheese, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour on top of brownie batter in pan. Add remaining brownie batter and swirl with a knife until it looks pretty.

Bake until done (toothpick will come out clean). These take longer to bake than standard brownies. (Mine ended up being a little gooey in the middle because I didn’t leave them in long enough.) If desired, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top when you take them out of the oven and swirl the chips around when they get soft.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into slices. I promise: this is RICH and your slices should probably not be this big. BUT these are soooo good…
Serve with great coffee & enjoy!